The “rocky” rollout of “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” has critics worrying about the brand’s future.
“Review bombing” could threaten the future of the “Star Trek” franchise as viewers of the series take to the internet with their opinions, but it has sparked a larger conversation around fan feedback.
Negative review bombing of Academy likely to end the possibility of shows like Legacy as well put Trek into 10-15 years of hiatus… Honestly with much of the negative rhetoric coming out before the airing of the first episode based on the trailer and stills… pic.twitter.com/Rlp9ILI6C2
— Christopher Cushman (@ChrisCushman2) February 17, 2026
“Negative review bombing of Academy likely to end the possibility of shows like Legacy as well put Trek into 10-15 years of hiatus… Honestly with much of the negative rhetoric coming out before the airing of the first episode based on the trailer and stills,” wrote veteran Star Trek artist Christopher Cushman on X.
If Trek fails fans will have an equal share in that outcome. My past criticism has always been vocal about the destruction of TOS storylines… Academy is 1000 years in the future and poses little to no risk to that continuity… if you hate it don’t watch!
— Christopher Cushman (@ChrisCushman2) February 17, 2026
“If Trek fails fans will have an equal share in that outcome. My past criticism has always been vocal about the destruction of TOS storylines… Academy is 1000 years in the future and poses little to no risk to that continuity… if you hate it don’t watch!” he added in a follow-up post.
But is this “review bombing” or just a case of displeased fans sharing their takes on what they deem to be a disappointing addition to the franchise? Should people not share their negative opinions on a show if it means that it could be damaging?
X users weighed in:
Honestly, it could do with a break – primarily to remove the current production regime and return at a future time with some pent-up audience interest (something we didn’t see for Academy; witness its streaming audience on YouTube), and determination to embrace a mass audience.
— The Doctor Who Show 🇦🇺 (@theDWshow) February 19, 2026
I watched the first episodes, I came in with an open mind, but it is just objectively bad.
— Morale Operations Department (@wrbpkjbgps) February 18, 2026
I grew up watching the original series 1000x in reruns. Loved it no matter how times I watched it. These last few series have been abominable. I ‘know’ I’m not the target audience, and that’s fine, but if you make niche shows that cater to niche audiences, don’t expect success.
— Erik Van Valkenburg (@Hail_Hydra61) February 20, 2026
I won’t be guilted into being silent. If this is the best they can do, they shouldn’t be making tv shows for any franchise. If they want better reviews, make a better show.
— Irate Specialist ☩ (@iratespecialyst) February 19, 2026
I think we’d all prefer hiatus than to see the continued destruction of the franchise. I don’t see how anyone could purport to love star trek and feel differently.
— golden pup (@Golden_Pup) February 18, 2026
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Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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